I am a DJ on KFJC, did a long running show that featured mostly olderjazz, jug, blues, novelty and etc. Often when I played blues from the1930s some listener would call or write to ask about the "instrument"listed as "Bass Cano," especially in reference to Alfred Elkinsrecording with Big Joe Williams in 1941.

Ever since then I have been researching this instrument - somemusicologists (and others) say it was a very simple one-string bassguitar (not a wash-tub bass) while others say it probably was "VocalBass" sung to imitate the sound of a string bass (like the MillsBrothers often did.)

I have asked this question on several other groups and lists withoutmuch conclusive evidence - anybody have a clue?

Post by Tubamanlistener would call or write to ask about the "instrument"listed as "Bass Cano," especially in reference to Alfred Elkinsrecording with Big Joe Williams in 1941.Ever since then I have been researching this instrument - somemusicologists (and others) say it was a very simple one-string bassguitar (not a wash-tub bass) while others say it probably was "VocalBass" sung to imitate the sound of a string bass (like the MillsBrothers often did.)David Richoux

Nobody else has tried, so I'll offer a bit of odd information that mayor may not be related. "Cano" is Latin for 'I sing'.

Post by Tubamanlistener would call or write to ask about the "instrument"listed as "Bass Cano," especially in reference to Alfred Elkinsrecording with Big Joe Williams in 1941.Ever since then I have been researching this instrument - somemusicologists (and others) say it was a very simple one-string bassguitar (not a wash-tub bass) while others say it probably was "VocalBass" sung to imitate the sound of a string bass (like the MillsBrothers often did.)David Richoux

Nobody else has tried, so I'll offer a bit of odd information that mayor may not be related. "Cano" is Latin for 'I sing'.Joel Shimberg

Well, it's actually "canto," "I sing," or "cantare," the infinitive "tosing." I now find myself thinking of "cano" = "cane," as in the flutesmade of cane that were traditional. This doesn't help with recording,which I haven't heard anyway, but may provide some glimmer to research.

Speaking of cane, I am similarly perplexed by the set of Clifford Hayes(Dixieland Jug Blowers and others) recordings that feature what isreferred to as a "walking cane flute." This sounds like a wooden fluteor pipe, has a fair range, and sounds like it's played straight, nottransversely. The performer is playing hot jazz, a real virtuoso, butI've never found out any more about it.

A while back there was discussion somewhere, and I put their 1930 "TigerRag" on my Web site. Go to http://www.dwsanderson.com/music.html andscroll down; click on the title for RealAudio playback.

Post by David SandersonSpeaking of cane, I am similarly perplexed by the set of Clifford Hayes(Dixieland Jug Blowers and others) recordings that feature what isreferred to as a "walking cane flute." This sounds like a wooden fluteor pipe, has a fair range, and sounds like it's played straight, nottransversely. The performer is playing hot jazz, a real virtuoso, butI've never found out any more about it.

I have three volumes of "Clifford Hayes and the Louisville Jug Bands"(RST Records JPCD-1501-2, JPCD-1502-2, JPCD-1503-2) and the only flutelike sound is in bands appears to be Buford Threlkeld (as known as"Whistler" like in "Whistler and his Jug Band) who plays, according theCD notes, nose-whistle. I don't see any other entries for flute-likesounds. By the way, back in the 1950s, Jean Sheperd would often play thenose-flute on his radio show.Carl

Post by David SandersonSpeaking of cane, I am similarly perplexed by the set of CliffordHayes (Dixieland Jug Blowers and others) recordings that feature whatis referred to as a "walking cane flute." This sounds like a woodenflute or pipe, has a fair range, and sounds like it's played straight,not transversely. The performer is playing hot jazz, a real virtuoso,but I've never found out any more about it.

I have three volumes of "Clifford Hayes and the Louisville Jug Bands"(RST Records JPCD-1501-2, JPCD-1502-2, JPCD-1503-2) and the only flutelike sound is in bands appears to be Buford Threlkeld (as known as"Whistler" like in "Whistler and his Jug Band) who plays, according theCD notes, nose-whistle. I don't see any other entries for flute-likesounds. By the way, back in the 1950s, Jean Sheperd would often play thenose-flute on his radio show.Carl

Yes - what I'm talking about is in fact on Volume IV, JPCD-1504-2, alllater recordings from 1929 and after, including the 1931 cuts backingJimmie Rodgers. The walking cane flute appears on the Phillips'Louisville Jug Band cuts, in the person of Charles "Cane" Adams, cutsmade in August/September 1930, apparently with personnel separate frombut likely connected with the Hayes musicians. Try listening to the"Tiger Rag" on my Web page for a sample; Adams was quite a musician,whatever he was playing.

Post by David SandersonYes - what I'm talking about is in fact on Volume IV, JPCD-1504-2, alllater recordings from 1929 and after, including the 1931 cuts backingJimmie Rodgers. The walking cane flute appears on the Phillips'Louisville Jug Band cuts, in the person of Charles "Cane" Adams, cutsmade in August/September 1930, apparently with personnel separate frombut likely connected with the Hayes musicians. Try listening to the"Tiger Rag" on my Web page for a sample; Adams was quite a musician,whatever he was playing.

Have been trying to buy Vol IV from Hatton when I go to Clifftop, but hehasn't had it (I got the other three from him).Carl

Post by TubamanHello, (long time lurker, first time poster)I am a DJ on KFJC, did a long running show that featured mostly olderjazz, jug, blues, novelty and etc. Often when I played blues from the1930s some listener would call or write to ask about the "instrument"listed as "Bass Cano," especially in reference to Alfred Elkinsrecording with Big Joe Williams in 1941.Ever since then I have been researching this instrument - somemusicologists (and others) say it was a very simple one-string bassguitar (not a wash-tub bass) while others say it probably was "VocalBass" sung to imitate the sound of a string bass (like the MillsBrothers often did.)I have asked this question on several other groups and lists withoutmuch conclusive evidence - anybody have a clue?David Richoux

A little late to this party, but recording sheets from Bluebird in late 1930s list "cano improvised st. bass," which would imply a one-string bass - and further state "not considered a musical instrument"!